Hakone: Must-Visit Classic Spots – 20 Recommendations

Hakone: Must-Visit Classic Spots – 20 Recommendations

Hakone, known as a bustling post town during the Edo period and one of Japan’s premier hot spring destinations, remains a top attraction for visitors. With easy access from Tokyo by train or car, it’s an ideal spot for a first date or a quick getaway.

Here, we introduce 21 classic spots in Hakone that offer a perfect blend of hot springs, breathtaking natural scenery, historical and cultural sites, and art.


Hakone Yumoto Station Shopping Street

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming shops
Located at the gateway to Hakone Onsen, this shopping street is full of nostalgic charm. You’ll find shops selling hot spring buns, traditional crafts like Hakone’s famous marquetry, and other unique local items. The street is conveniently located near Hakone Yumoto Station, making it a great first stop upon arrival or a perfect place to pick up souvenirs before heading home.

Location: Hakone Yumoto, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: A short walk from Hakone Yumoto Station


Hakone Yuryo

Relax in a traditional hot spring retreat
Nestled in the forest near Hakone Yumoto, Hakone Yuryo is a day-trip hot spring facility that offers a rustic, calming atmosphere. The bathhouse uses materials and furnishings from traditional Japanese homes, providing a comforting and nostalgic space. There are 19 private outdoor baths available, as well as a dining area surrounding an irori (sunken hearth). This is the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate.

Location: Tonosawa 4, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: A 3-minute walk from Tonosawa Station or a 3-minute shuttle bus ride from Hakone Yumoto Station


The Hakone Open-Air Museum

Experience art amidst nature
This museum is Japan’s first open-air museum, featuring approximately 120 sculptures by leading modern and contemporary artists, set in a sprawling 70,000-square-meter garden. For art lovers, this is a must-visit spot where you can enjoy both the art and the natural surroundings. Take a break in the on-site foot bath or restaurant while you’re there.

Location: Ninotaira 1121, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: A short walk from Chokoku-no-Mori Station


Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

A fun hot spring theme park to enjoy in swimsuits
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is a hot spring theme park where you can enjoy unique baths like the wine bath and coffee bath in swimsuits. It’s a fun and playful experience, perfect for couples, and with plenty of photo spots, it’s also great for your social media feeds.

Location: Ninotaira 1297, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from Odawara Station or Hakone Yumoto Station


Hakone Gora Park

Stroll through seasonal blooms
Japan’s first French-style garden, Hakone Gora Park, offers stunning symmetry against the backdrop of Hakone’s mountains. The park features greenhouses, a music hall, and cafes, making it an ideal spot for a daytime date. You can also enjoy craft experiences like pottery and glass blowing, creating lasting memories of your visit.

Location: Gora 1300, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: A short walk from Koen-Shimo Station on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car


Hakone Tozan Cable Car

Enjoy panoramic views from the cable car
The Hakone Tozan Cable Car, Japan’s second-oldest, connects Gora Station and Sounzan Station, climbing from 541 meters to 750 meters above sea level. With large windows offering panoramic views of Hakone’s landscape, the ride is a scenic highlight of any Hakone trip. At Sounzan Station, you can also enjoy a foot bath and observation deck.

Location: Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Immediate access from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway


Hakone Tozan Railway

Experience Japan’s premier mountain railway
Connecting Hakone Yumoto and Gora, this mountain railway ascends 445 meters in elevation, offering breathtaking views as it zigzags through the steep terrain. In early summer, the hydrangeas along the tracks bloom, turning the railway into the “Hydrangea Train,” a colorful spectacle that becomes even more enchanting with nighttime illuminations.

Location: Gora to Hakone Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Accessible from Hakone Yumoto Station


Sengokuhara Marshland

Explore the vast seasonal marshland
The Sengokuhara Marshland, formed by sediment blocking a caldera lake of Mount Hakone, is Kanagawa Prefecture’s only wetland and is designated a natural monument. Visitors can enjoy the marsh’s seasonal plants, including spring skunk cabbage and summer irises. In autumn, the vast fields of golden pampas grass are particularly stunning.

Location: Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: A short walk from the Taiyogaoka bus stop, served by Hakone Tozan Buses


Hakone Glass Museum

Be dazzled by sparkling Venetian glass
Japan’s first museum dedicated to Venetian glass, the Hakone Glass Museum showcases a stunning collection of glass artworks. The outdoor garden is adorned with glass sculptures that glisten in the sunlight. During the Christmas season, a 150,000-piece crystal glass Christmas tree is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for a romantic evening.

Location: Sengokuhara 940-48, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: A short walk from the Hakone Glass no Mori bus stop


POLA Museum of Art

An art space harmonizing with Hakone’s forest
Based on the concept of “coexistence of nature and art,” the POLA Museum of Art houses over 10,000 works, including Western paintings, Japanese paintings, crafts, and cosmetics. The museum is located within a forest, where you can also enjoy an art walk along a path showcasing sculptures in harmony with nature.

Location: Kozukayama 1285, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: A short walk from the POLA Bijutsukan bus stop, served by the Hakone Tozan Buses


Lalique Museum Hakone

Immerse yourself in the luxurious world of René Lalique
Dedicated to the works of French jewelry and glass designer René Lalique, this museum displays exquisite pieces, including decorative items and perfume bottles. A highlight is the Orient Express luxury salon car, which Lalique decorated with his signature glass panels. Enjoy a drink and dessert inside, perfect for a special date.

Location: Sengokuhara 186-1, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: A short walk from the Sengokubashi bus stop


Owakudani

Feel the power of nature from the active volcano
Formed by a steam explosion 3,000 years ago, Owakudani offers a dramatic landscape with active volcanic activity. A ropeway ride provides panoramic views of the smoking earth below. Don’t miss the famous “black eggs” cooked in the hot spring, believed to extend your life by seven years.

Location: Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: A short walk from Owakudani Station on the Hakone Ropeway


Hakone Shrine

Find peace amidst nature at this historic shrine
Founded in 757, Hakone Shrine is dedicated to the deity of Mount Hakone and was revered by samurai leaders like Minamoto no Yoritomo and Tokugawa Ieyasu. The shrine is surrounded by the mystical beauty of Lake Ashi and the dense forest. The iconic red torii gate, known as the “Gate of Peace,” stands in the lake, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere.

Location: Motohakone 80-1, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: A 10-minute walk from the Hakone Shrine Iriguchi bus stop


Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine

Visit the “Sky Shrine” at 1,356 meters above sea level
Perched atop Mount Komagatake, the Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine offers breathtaking 360-degree views and a refreshing atmosphere. The shrine, originally established as a place of worship for Mount Hakone’s main peak, has a deep connection to mountain worship in the Kanto region.

Location: Motohakone 110, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: A 10-minute walk from Komagatake Ropeway’s summit station


Hakone Checkpoint

Step back in time at this faithfully restored Edo-period checkpoint
The Hakone Check

point was established by the Edo Shogunate to monitor traffic and prevent the movement of unauthorized personnel and weapons. Although abolished in the Meiji period, it was completely restored in 2007 using traditional methods and materials. The checkpoint now offers a glimpse into the past, complete with a museum displaying artifacts and historical documents.

Location: Hakone 1, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: A short walk from the Hakone Sekishoato bus stop


Lake Ashi

Enjoy lake activities with stunning views
Lake Ashi, a caldera lake located at 724 meters above sea level, offers a range of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises, fishing, and even fireworks displays during the summer. With many resort facilities and views of Mount Fuji, it’s a perfect destination for relaxation and outdoor fun.

Location: Hakone, Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: A short walk from the Hakone-machi bus stop


Hakone Pirate Ship

Cruise Lake Ashi in style
The Hakone Pirate Ship connects Togendai, Hakone-machi, and Motohakone ports, offering luxurious cruises on three different ships. For a more exclusive experience, upgrade to the special cabin, which offers spectacular views and comfortable seating.

Location: Hakone 161, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: A short walk from the Hakone-machi bus stop


Hakone-en Aquarium

Meet adorable Baikal seals
Hakone-en Aquarium, located 723 meters above sea level, is Japan’s highest saltwater aquarium. It houses a variety of freshwater and marine species, along with waterfowl. The star attraction is the Baikal seal show, featuring these rare freshwater seals. Watching these cute seals in their snowy outdoor baths during winter is a highlight not to be missed.

Location: Motohakone 139, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: A short walk from the Hakone-en bus stop


Hakone Komagatake Ropeway

Take in spectacular views from the ropeway
This ropeway connects Hakone-en with the summit of Mount Komagatake, offering an 1,800-meter journey through the sky. The 7-minute ride provides panoramic views of Lake Ashi, Mount Fuji, and beyond. At the summit, enjoy the wide-open spaces and refreshing air as you take in the breathtaking scenery.

Location: Motohakone 139, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: A short walk from the Hakone-en bus stop
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Taikanzan Observation Deck

Drive up to stunning panoramic views
Located at the end of the Anest Iwata Turnpike Hakone, Taikanzan Observation Deck offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi. Named one of Kanagawa’s 50 scenic spots, the view here changes with the seasons and time of day, and on clear days, you might even see a sea of clouds with Mount Fuji rising above.

Location: Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Odawara Tollgate

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